Gastric Sleeve Surgery

A gastric sleeve procedure can help improve your life.

The gastric sleeve procedure is a form of bariatric surgery performed by the oBand team that reduces the size of the patient’s stomach by 80% – 85%. This is an irreversible surgery that may be performed on its own or as the first stage of a gastric bypass.

Gastric sleeve surgery was first used as an alternative surgery for patients for whom gastric bypass procedures would have been too risky. The success of these first surgeries and the weight loss that resulted led to further research. Today the gastric sleeve procedure is a highly sought after form of bariatric surgery. Recent research has tracked the success of this surgery in young adult patients though it is currently most commonly recommended for adult patients.

A sleeve gastrectomy may be the right surgical procedure for people who:

Have a body mass index of 50 or higher

Have been diagnosed with a health condition related to obesity

Are not dependent on alcohol or illegal drugs

Are mentally and emotionally ready to make a life-changing decision

How is the surgery performed?

A sleeve gastrectomy is one type of laparoscopic surgery and is sometimes referred to as minimally invasive surgery (MIS) because the procedure is conducted through very small incisions. The incisions in MIS can be as small as .5 cm long (about 1/5”). This procedure is less invasive than a conventional gastric bypass procedure.

The stomach is constricted with the use of surgical staples. These will be placed with the help of the small incisions. The shape of the stomach is changed but the organ retains its natural function. After the incisions are closed the patient is taken to recovery.

The surgeons at oBand.

The surgical team at oBand includes board certified professionals with numerous career achievements. Our team includes authors of peer-reviewed medical journal articles, experienced speakers, book authors, and top ranked medical residents. Each member of the team brings an in-depth perspective to their area of expertise and is dedicated to providing the very best in surgical patient care.

What to expect after the procedure.

A patient receiving a gastric sleeve procedure should anticipate pain and tenderness near the surgical site for 1-2 days following the operation. For the first few weeks you will eat soft foods in small portions and drink a lot of water. You might experience diarrhea and feel nauseous or shaky. These are symptoms of dumping syndrome, a condition that can result when food exits your stomach and passes to your small intestine too quickly. Solid foods will be added to your diet a little bit at a time over several weeks. Within 1-2 weeks you should be able to resume normal activities.

Cost of procedure.

Payment for the surgery and any related treatment is the responsibility of the patient. While oBand’s team can assist with insurance pre-authorization and is able to provide free benefit verification, the patient must accept the costs of any portion of the surgery and treatment that is not covered by insurance or that is refused by their insurance company.
Each patient will get to work with a oBand personal advocate who can help guide them through the billing and payment process. Your advocate can also help you with the letter stating medical necessity, an item that can help you get successful coverage.

Long term prognosis and other information regarding procedure.

This surgery is irreversible and will require you to watch your diet closely. Since the reduced stomach size can affect the absorption of necessary vitamins and minerals it may be necessary to take supplements for the rest of your life. You must continue to watch portion sizes since if your stomach stretches as a result of overeating you will reverse the surgery and you will regain the weight you have lost. High-calorie beverages must also be avoided since these will prevent weight loss.

The oBand team looks forward to helping you regain a healthy weight. To make an appointment or learn more about our services call 855.496.4847.